Founder
Resection & Shoeing
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| A "hoof wall resection" is performed by removing the wall that has separated from its bond to the pedal (coffin) bone due to the interrupted blood flow of laminitis. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent and treat infection in the air filled defect caused by the separation. The resection also prevents further separation caused by upward leverage of the wall when the horse walks. Here Geronimo uses a high speed Dremel tool to remove separated wall. |  |
| This photo shows the horse with the resection completed on both front feet. A heart bar shoe has been applied to the left front foot and its mate lies ready for the right front. A heart bar shoe supports the horse's weight on the frog, thus minimizing painful pressure on the sole. A well fitted heart bar will usually bring the horse immediate relief. A poorly fitted heart bar shoe can cause more agony and damage, however, and even lead to death of the horse. An experienced and qualified farrier is a must! |  |
| Both shoes have now been applied and the horse should be standing and moving somewhat more comfortably. When this horse's front feet grew out they had solid attachment of the hoof wall and looked like the feet of a normal horse. |  |
| The side view illustrates how the lack of toe wall eliminates upward leverage. It is the upward leverage which perpetuates hoof wall separation and causes the "elf slipper" hoof associated with chronic laminitis cases. |  |
| Sometimes a paste of sugar and iodine ("sugardine") is applied as a poultice to prevent and treat infection from necrotic tissue. |  |
| After enjoying several years as a sound horse, the gelding shown in
the first 5 photos foundered again, although just in one front foot this
time. During those years Geronimo had changed to using adjustable heart
bar shoes rather than regular heart bars. The horse responded well and
was pasture sound and comfortable.
Remember--laminitic horses are prone to suffer repeated bouts of acute laminitis! Careful management can prevent many of these problems. Be sure to read all our Q&As & Articles on laminitis and founder. |
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| ***We offer an information package on the adjustable heart bar shoe for sale to qualified experienced farriers only. The package includes instructions for constructing, applying and making the frequent and necessary adjustments to the shoe as well as many indispensable hints for insuring the best possible results. Call 209-728-0505 or send e-mail message for purchase information.*** | |